Re: SV: attic insulation - SPF Comment

[Guest guest]

Jim:All good info.Although when talking about Spray Polyurethane Foam (SPF) I consider it very important to mention that during those few seconds of chemical reaction time, diisocyanate chemicals are in the air near the point of application and these chemicals are highly reactive and capable of causing occupational asthma in unprotected individuals. Therefore, you don't want to watch this process! W. Bearg, PEEnvironmental Health and Building Science.Life Energy Associateswww.LifeEnergyAssoc.com20 Darton StreetConcord, MA 01742To: iequality Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 11:40:04 AMSubject: Re: SV: attic insulation

Barb

There are many words for cellulose insulation that comes in bags and is normally sprayed into place; yes they are the same.

Urethane foam comes in many kinds but all firm up as the chemical reaction goes to completion; it you use the airtight kind it will even allow you to walk (carefully) on it. There is a lower density urethane foam that has a much higher rate of diffusion and is much more easily crushed. It is popular in walls in areas with some hot and muggy weather as, perhaps, it would allow slow diffusion of moisture through to the other side; I do no believe in it but many do. It also does not provide as much R value per inch. We used the better R value, heavier and stiffer kind in our house, hoping to get a long-lasting air barrier.

Jim

Re: SV: attic insulation

Is spray in place cellulose, the same as blown in cellulose? Is the 2 inches of urethane spray the kind that kind that hardens after it sets up?>> Barb> If the attic is emptied out you might do what we did to our house. We had about 2 inches of urethane foam sprayed over the top of the ceiling, in the attic, and then had spray-in-place cellulose added up to R50. Now there are no air leaks from down here to up there or from up there to down here; transfer of pollutants should be close to zero. > > The heating bills sure plummeted and it was much cooler in the summer.> Jim>

[Guest guest]



Yes, the installation process is a dangerous one and using such a product is a trade-off; I had to remind the 'helper' that he was to wear his mask several times. He spent part of his time outdoors and part in the work area and could not be bothered.

Jim

Re: SV: attic insulation

Is spray in place cellulose, the same as blown in cellulose? Is the 2 inches of urethane spray the kind that kind that hardens after it sets up?>> Barb> If the attic is emptied out you might do what we did to our house. We had about 2 inches of urethane foam sprayed over the top of the ceiling, in the attic, and then had spray-in-place cellulose added up to R50. Now there are no air leaks from down here to up there or from up there to down here; transfer of pollutants should be close to zero. > > The heating bills sure plummeted and it was much cooler in the summer.> Jim>